Teen survives crash, learns she has cancer

Casey Charf is often surrounded by friends and family at her west Omaha home. She’s locked into a neck and back brace, after suffering a broken neck and back in a car accident last month. But her need for support has little to do with the accident.

“I'm determined not to let this cancer ruin my life. Or take it,” states Casey.

The 18-year-old was seemingly in great health and preparing to graduate from high school just weeks ago. On February 23, Casey was driving to a gathering with two friends in her car when she swerved to miss a skunk near 276th Street and Bennington Road. The car rolled several times, severely injuring Casey and her best friend, Alle Plymale.

Doctors, checking for injuries from the accident, found something else during their tests.

“They told me right out of the CT scan they saw a spot on my kidney,” said Casey. “A couple of days later, they called us with the results that it was Pheochromocytoma, and cancerous throughout my body.”

Casey’s body had been hiding a 5 inch by 3 inch wide tumor.

“My sister just ran in here and started crying on my shoulder when we got the call,” said Casey. “I didn't know what to think. I was scared.”

Casey and her family are also frustrated. They say doctors have told them Casey’s cancer is rare and they are not sure how far it has spread. The Charfs are searching for answers as to what treatment will work best, or someone else who is battling Pheochromocytoma. They talked to KETV Newswatch 7 in the hopes someone will see Casey’s story and offer them hope for a cure.

Casey’s friends are with her every step of the way. Since her diagnosis, they’ve sold an estimated 200 Casey’s Cure t-shirts. Each reads ‘Accepting was the beginning, Fighting will be the struggle, Coming together will bring our success. We are Team Casey.”

“It's incredible how much people really do care and show it on Facebook, through praying, anything,” said Casey.

Casey’s supporters have also created a website allowing people to make donations for the Charf family. Casey says that money will help if and when her family needs to travel to other states for treatment. As of Monday evening, the site had raised more than $9,000.

Casey now calls last month’s car crash a blessing.

“I believe it was,” said Casey. “I believe God made it happen at that point in time because that's the point I was strong enough to handle it.”

To follow Casey’s journey or to donate to her fund, visit the Casey's Cure website. Friends will also hold a fundraiser on April 20 and will post future details on that website.

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